GEO-THERMAL STEAM

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 15, 23 April 1952, Page 1

GEO-THERMAL STEAM

Spa Hotel Enterprise Commendable enterprise has ^cen shown by the new licensee of the Iioiel, Mr Jim Birnie, in developi .g thfe possibiliL:^s of the geo-thermal steam energy which, by a fortunate chance — he was boring for water— he tapped in the hotel grounds at a depth of some 200 feet. Following up this pleasant surprise, he put down a second bore, and again was rewarded by a gush of steam at high pressure. A representative of the Taupo Times was shown over the heating system laid on throughout the hotel buildings on the basis of the geothermal steam supply. Mr Birnie explained that there was no question in his mind of applying his discovery to electricity. With a supply of current to be available on the completion of the Hatepe hydro-electric scheme, he preferred to concentrate on the problems of hot water and central heating for the convenience and comfort of hotel guests and staff. At no small outlay of capital, the hotel buildings and offices, including the staff quarters, have been reticulated for the supply of hot water and for central heating. There was no doubt about tl^e efficiency of the steam from the bores, said Mr Birnie. A 75 gallon tank of cold water could be brought to boiling Ipoint in 3 minutes, a 125 gallon tank !took 9 minutes. On an overall result it was possible to boil water at the rate of 2000 gallons an hour. In the general scheme of reconstruction and reconditioning planned for the hotel and offices, are six new bedrobms each equipped with hot and cold water, and similar conveniences will be provided in the remodelled rooms. The hotel laundry has been steam heated. Washing and drying is a big job in the routine of the hotel,. but

this has been greatly simplified and speeded up by the installation of the pipes. Whole lines of towels can be dried in an hour. The most striking point about the whole scheme is that while the capital cost of boring and reticulation has been considerable, the running costs are practically nil. The steam is a free gift from old Mother Nature.